Part 3 Chapter 1 Summary

Winter has come to the Divide, it turns it into "iron country" and people feel depressed by the dead landscape. Alexandra has to content herself with letters from Emil and Carl. She goes to Catholic Church with Marie, but does not confide in her about Carl.

In December Annie Lee's mother visits. The old woman with only three teeth is a reminder of the Old Country and has funny ways. Old Mrs. Lee and Alexandra visit Marie. Alexandra remembers the first time she met Marie, when Emil lost his kitten. Marie is knitting Emil a scarf, which Alexandra will send to him in Mexico. Marie is sure that Emil is serenading women there.

When the three women eat apricot rolls, Marie seems to be crying. Alexandra comments that if light-hearted Marie is capable of getting depressed, what will that mean for...